What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

Several nonsurgical treatments will be tried to correct the problem before choosing surgery. These may include medications, injections, special shoes, or types of physical therapy. You will have a thorough evaluation to determine your overall health and any risk factors.

Talk to your doctor about your medications. You may be asked to stop taking some medicines up to 1 week before the procedure.

Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the day before your surgery, unless told otherwise by your doctor.

Arrange for help at home after returning from the hospital.

Anesthesia

Spinal anesthesia
—Anesthesia will be given directly into the spine; your lower body will be numb

Description of the Procedure

A long incision will be made to view the joint. The joint will be secured. There are many ways to secure the 2 bones together so that they no longer move in relation to one another. Long screws, screws and steel plates, long steel rods, or bone grafts have all been used.

You will have a tight bandage strapped around your thigh to shut off circulation during surgery. This will not harm your leg.

Immediately After Procedure

Your lower leg will be in a rigid cast and be elevated after surgery. You will be offered pain medication.

How Long Will It Take?

About 2-3 hours

How Much Will It Hurt?

There will be no pain during the procedure. Afterwards, there will be some discomfort. Talk to your doctor about medication to help manage discomfort.

Average Hospital Stay

You may be able to go home in 2-4 days if you do not have any complications.

Postoperative Care

During your stay, the hospital staff will take steps to reduce your chance of infection such as:

Washing their hands

Wearing gloves or masks

Keeping your incisions covered

There are also steps you can take to reduce your chances of infection such as:

Washing your hands often and reminding visitors and healthcare providers to do the same

Reminding your healthcare providers to wear gloves or masks

Not allowing others to touch your incisions

It will take up to 4 months to heal and solidly fuse the joint(s). During that time, you will be in a cast.

Some people may be able to wear ordinary shoes while others may need specially fitted footwear.

Call Your Doctor

After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

Bleeding or discharge from your incision(s). This may show up as staining of your cast.

Signs of infection, including fever and chills

Increasing or severe pain that is not relieved by your pain medication

Cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or severe nausea and vomiting

Numbness, tingling, or discoloration in the foot

In case of an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Arthritis of the foot and ankle: arthrodesis. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at:
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00209. Updated September 2008. Accessed March 2, 2015.